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Heartworm A blood test to detect the antigens released from the female reproductive tract is the most common method of diagnosis. The specificity of these tests is close to 100% and the sensitivity is more than 90%. False negative tests can result from low worm counts, immature infections and all male infections. Heartworm positive dogs should also be tested for the presence of microfilariae, usually using a concentrating filter test. X-rays are used to evaluate the amount of lung damage caused by the presence of heartworms. |